Nuclear installations regulated by ASN

Anomaly of the EPR reactor vessel

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Time length : 02:51

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In 2014 Areva declared an anomaly in the composition of steel in two components of the EPR reactor vessel: the lid and bottom of the vessel. Rémy Catteau, Director of the Nuclear Pressure Equipment Division, discusses this anomaly and the risks involved.

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Siège de l'ASN

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On 10th October 2017, ASN issued its opinion on the anomaly in the steel used for the Flamanville EPR reactor pressure vessel lower head and closure head. ASN considers that this anomaly is not such as to compromise the commissioning of the reactor pressure vessel, provided that specific checks are carried out during operation of the installation. As the feasibility of these checks cannot at present be confirmed for the closure head, ASN considers that the current closure head cannot be used beyond 2024.

On 28th June 2017, ASN presented its position regarding the Flamanville EPR reactor pressure vessel anomaly. ASN relied on the analysis of the files transmitted by Areva NP and EDF, carried out by its nuclear pressure equipment department and its technical support organisation IRSN, and on the opinion of its Advisory Committee for nuclear pressure equipment.

On 26th and 27th June 2017 ASN will convene the Advisory Committee for nuclear pressure equipment (GP ESPN) to examine the anomaly affecting the composition of the steel used in the manufacture of the vessel closure head and bottom head of the Flamanville EPR reactor.

On 25th October 2016, ASN participated in the hearing organised by the OPECST (Parliamentary Office for the Evaluation of Scientific and Technological Choices) on the safety of nuclear pressure equipment (NPE).

Date of last update : 25/10/2017

The French Nuclear Safety Authority is tasked, on behalf of the State, with regulating nuclear safety and radiation protection in order to protect workers, patients, the public and the environment from the risks involved in nuclear activities in France. It also contributes to informing the citizens.